The Breastpiece of Judgment, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment, is a significant element of the high priest's sacred garments as described in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with specific instructions for its construction and use. The breastpiece is a symbol of divine guidance and judgment, serving as a tangible representation of the high priest's role as an intermediary between God and the Israelites.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the Breastpiece of Judgment are found in Exodus 28:15-30. The breastpiece is to be crafted by skilled artisans using materials of the highest quality. It is made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, matching the ephod to which it is attached. The breastpiece is square when folded, measuring a span in length and width.

The breastpiece is adorned with twelve precious stones set in gold filigree, arranged in four rows of three stones each. Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with the name of each tribe engraved on its respective stone. The stones are as follows:

1. First row: carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald.
2. Second row: turquoise, sapphire, and diamond.
3. Third row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
4. Fourth row: beryl, onyx, and jasper.

The breastpiece is secured to the ephod by gold chains and rings, ensuring it remains in place over the high priest's heart.

Function and Significance

The Breastpiece of Judgment serves a dual purpose: it is both a memorial and a tool for divine communication. As a memorial, it symbolizes the high priest's responsibility to bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart when he enters the Holy Place, as a continual reminder before the LORD (Exodus 28:29).

The breastpiece also contains the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used to discern God's will in matters of judgment. Exodus 28:30 states, "And place the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of judgment for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD" . The exact nature and function of the Urim and Thummim are not detailed in Scripture, but they are understood to be instruments through which God communicated His decisions to the high priest.

Theological Implications

The Breastpiece of Judgment underscores the high priest's role as a mediator who carries the spiritual and judicial concerns of the people before God. It highlights the importance of divine guidance in the governance and spiritual life of Israel. The breastpiece, with its precious stones and the Urim and Thummim, signifies the weighty responsibility of seeking and discerning God's will in leading the nation.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Breastpiece of Judgment foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity. As the book of Hebrews explains, Christ's priesthood surpasses the Levitical priesthood, offering a more excellent ministry and a new covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The Breastpiece of Judgment, therefore, serves as a typological precursor to the perfect mediation accomplished through Christ.